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Ram in Position to Lift 800 Tonne Road Bridge

 
   

The Great Wharf Road Bridge, designed to provide a new access for traffic into Canary Wharf in London's Docklands, has taken an important step forward with the installation of the massive hydraulic cylinder that will raise it to allow ships to pass through West India Quay.

Designed and manufactured by Hunger Hydraulic in Germany to a brief from consulting engineers Bennett Associates, the 40-tonne ram is believed to be the biggest installed in the UK. It will lift the north end of the 800 tonne structure 18.2 metres in order to provide a 15 metre x 15 metre navigable passage beneath.

As part of the design process Bennetts were asked to investigate various methods of lifting the 67-metre bridge, including the use of portable equipment stored off site. One of the constraints required no part of the structure to be within the dock itself. The mechanism being installed was chosen because it met this criterion and was also simple and cost-effective, according to project engineer Michael Thorogood.

Bennetts were responsible for the performance and design specifications for the electrical, hydraulic and mechanical equipment required to move the bridge, to accompany the exemplar design drawings used by the contractor for construction detailing. The company also designed the systems for pedestrian and traffic control.

 
   
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For more information, contact us on 01709-373782

Related links:
.Bridging Gaps
.East Riding Bridge Swings into Action

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Great Wharf Road Bridge hydraulic ram
Great Wharf Road Bridge hydraulic ram

Great Wharf Road Bridge pivoting clevis that connects the hydraulic ram to the bridge deck
Great Wharf Road Bridge pivoting clevis that connects the hydraulic ram to the bridge deck


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